Authorities said Rayah Easterling, 29, however, is believed to be the primary suspect in the weekend slaying of a man in Birmingham.

A deliveryman discovered Easterling's body about noon Sunday behind the Kangaroo service station at 3640 Lorna Road, said Hoover police Capt. Jim Coker. The business is at the intersection of Lorna Road and Centennial Drive.

Lawmen said he is a suspect in the Saturday slaying of Jeremy Dwight Edwards, 26, of Fairfield. Birmingham's West Precinct officers were dispatched to a report of someone shot at 1117 cotton Ave. S.W. about 4:50 p.m.

They found Edwards lying in the backyard of a residence. He was taken to UAB Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 9 p.m. Authorities said the Easterling and Edwards were friends, and were arguing just prior to the shooting.

Easterling was found dead with a gun in his possession. Coker said Hoover police are working closely with Birmingham detectives on the case.

Repeated efforts to reach Birmingham police for comment were unsuccessful.